Watford game and Beer Fest

We are delighted to announce an exciting weekend of entertainment in July with a match against newly promoted Premier League club Watford and a three-day beer festival.

AFC Wimbledon will host Watford on Saturday, 11 July (3.00 pm kick-off) in the Football Manager Cup as the match pitches together two clubs sponsored by Sports Interactive.

It promises to be an intriguing first home friendly of the summer with Dons manager Neal Ardley likely to have new faces in his squad against his old club Watford, who will be gearing up for their Premier League return under the astute guidance of Slavisa Jokanovic.

The match will provide a football showpiece to a first-ever beer festival at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, which will run from Friday, 10 July, until Sunday, 12 July.

In partnership with The Wimbledon Brewery, the event will feature a huge range of different ales, along with ciders and craft beers. Plenty of food options will also be available and entertainment will include a talk from a highly experienced master brewer, who has recently taken over the reins at The Wimbledon Brewery.

Commercial Director Ivor Heller said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Football Manager Cup and to welcome a Watford side preparing for a return back to the Premier League. Fans can also make a weekend of it with a wide selection of drinks on offer at the Beer Festival, thanks to our partnership with The Wimbledon Brewery. It promises to be a great weekend for supporters to eat, drink and watch quality football at the club.”

Sports Interactive Studio Director Miles Jacobson added: “Having Wimbledon and Watford play against each other has been a dream of mine since AFC Wimbledon was reformed and we got involved. Thank you to both clubs for making that dream a reality! Having the match happen during the beer festival is an even better incentive for both sets of supporters – let’s hope this is a glimpse into the future for when Watford versus Wimbledon is a regular fixture in the top flight.”

Neal Ardley is pictured above battling for possession with Watford's Paul Robinson during a previous match between the two clubs in August, 2000.